Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 adjusts voltages for faster refuels

Qualcomm's slow trickle of information related to the Snapdragon 820 SoC continues. Today, we're learning about Quick Charge 3.0, which the company says is its "fastest, most efficient charging technology to date."

Quick Charge 3.0 uses an algorithm to determine the power level required to charge the battery at any given time, which Qualcomm calls Intelligent Negotiation for Optimum Voltage (INOV). The voltage can be selected in 200mV increments from 3.6 to 20 volts, compared to a max of 15 volts in Quick Charge 2.0 devices and chargers, such as the Moto X Pure Edition and Moto's TurboPower wall charger. The company says these changes are good for up to 38% faster charge times compared to Quick Charge 2.0.

Similar to Quick Charge 2.0, the wider range of voltages in Quick Charge 3.0 requires new chargers for users to realize its full potential. Older chargers will still be able to charge Quick Charge 3.0 devices, just not as quickly. Qualcomm says the new spec is compatible with any USB physical interface, though, including the now-common micro USB and reversible Type-C connectors.

The Snapdragon 820 will, of course, support Quick Charge 3.0. Several other upcoming SoCs will include the spec, as well—the Snapdragon 620, 618, 617, and 430 will all have it. Qualcomm says to expect Quick Charge 3.0 in "next year’s round of smartphones and tablets."